A staple Korean chili powder made from sun-dried red peppers, essential for kimchi, stews, and marinades. This recipe guides you to make your own at home for a fresher, more aromatic result.
10 min prep
48 servings
15 kcal/serving
Ingredients
8 ounces dried Korean red chili peppers (taeyang-cho or cheongyang), stems removed
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation. Cut dried chili peppers open and shake out most seeds (leave some for heat).
Place peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and sun-dry for 2-3 days, or use a dehydrator at 125°F (52°C) for 8-12 hours until very brittle.
Break dried peppers into small pieces and grind in a spice grinder or blender in batches until a coarse powder forms.
Sift the powder through a fine-mesh strainer to remove larger bits. Grind the larger bits again if desired.
Mix in sesame seeds if using. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Tips
Use Korean chili peppers (gochu) for authentic flavor; Thai or cayenne can be substituted for heat but will differ.
For a finer powder, grind longer but watch for overheating; let grinder cool between batches.
Toasting dried peppers in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before grinding adds a smoky note.